Chairman's report: Financial and transfer update

Following a busy end to the transfer window Exeter City chairman Julian Tagg has issued the following statement to help keep supporters informed.

“First of all I must thank all the staff for their hard work in what was a very busy end to the transfer window at Exeter City,” said Julian.

“Our manager Paul (Tisdale), director of football Steve Perryman, secretary Mike Radford assistant manager Matt Oakley alongside club staff general manager Justin Quick put in plenty of hours over the last fortnight to make sure all of our transfer negotiations got over the line in time for the 11pm deadline on Thursday, August 31.

“This was no mean feat as there will have been transfers, involving clubs with much more resources than ours, that were unable to get completed in time. Thanks to the work of those individuals in particular, we managed to bring in all the players we were targeting during the final few days of August.

“A special thanks also has to go to Ade Saunderson and club doctor Peter Riou, who did a tremendous job on the medical side of things, our kit manager Lou Pring who made sure all the new players had the right sized shirts in time for Saturday’s match with Newport County AFC and our media and marketing team of Scott Palfrey and Simon Larkins who made sure you, the supporters, were kept up-to-date with the transfer dealings.

“It is great to see the club staff and the football staff working side by side so effectively under considerable pressure and all those involved deserve much credit.

“We were, of course, sad to see David (Wheeler) go, but he made it clear that he wanted to take the opportunity to go to Queens Park Rangers and we wish him all the best for the future. It is again another example of successful player development at Exeter City and we are proud of the progress David has made with us during his four-year stay at St James Park.

“The fee for David was undisclosed at QPR’s request. Against the fee paid there were third party “calls”, David’s former club Staines, of course, being one of them. However, the money that was received from David’s sale has been reinvested into the playing budget for this season to allow Paul to strengthen the first team squad following the player’s departure.

“The income allowed us to bring in Jayden, for a club record fee from Aberdeen, as well sign Hiram Boateng on a permanent deal following his release from Crystal Palace. Added to that Matt Oakley secured the two loan signings from West Bromwich Albion and the fact that Tony Pulis has allowed two of his best young players to join us highlights the growing reputation we have at City – for being a club that offers a welcoming, progressive and stable learning environment.

“Exeter City is not normally a club that pays a transfer fee for a player, but in the past two cases – Jayden and Troy Archibald-Henville – the sale of a player facilitated the opportunity. The manager's advice and ability and confidence that such business was possible was given the support of the board and the incoming transfer fee accordingly facilitated a strengthened and improved squad.”

Chairman Julian Tagg also added that the position regarding Ethan Ampadu and Chelsea remained on-going and there were no further updates he could give supporters on that transfer at this time.